Man who rebuilt his life after car crash caused brain injury a finalist in Headway UK’s Annual Awards
‘I was the only person on that sinking ship’
A dad who broke his neck and suffered a brain injury following a car crash has been named an award finalist for using his experience to support young brain injury survivors.
Ed Marshall, from Clanfield, sustained a traumatic brain injury in a road traffic accident in 2013, when another driver caught the rear of his van, spinning it into oncoming traffic.
The former plasterer and bricklayer, who was on his way to drop off an invoice, broke several bones in the accident, including his neck, collar bone and ribs. He also punctured his lungs and lacerated his liver.
Ed spent weeks in a coma before recovering in hospital and beginning rehabilitation.
The dad-of-four is now a finalist in the Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year Award category, which recognises the remarkable achievements of brain injury survivors.
The nomination comes due to the vital role he plays at Headway Portsmouth & South East Hampshire, which is a charity that supports people affected by brain injury through hospital and home outreach services.
The 48-year-old leads the charity’s Young Adults Group, where he uses his experience to support dozens of survivors, aged 18 to 30.
Ed said: “When the accident happened, I just thought I was badly injured and I’d be in a cast and my bones would heal, as they have when I’ve broken my wrist before. I didn’t realise the extent of the brain injury.
“Staff at the hospital and my neuropsychologist kept advising me to go to Headway, and initially I just fobbed it off, but I eventually went along.
“Up until I went to Headway, I was the only person on that ship; it was sinking and it was a scary place to be. But once you’ve met a few others on that boat, it’s not such a bitter pill.
“That’s the whole purpose of Headway is to create a community of people who understand and appreciate what you’re going through. The people who I’ve met through Headway is just amazing.”
Each year, Headway UK hosts a glittering awards ceremony celebrating the dedication, growth and outstanding achievements of brain injury survivors, carers, volunteers and others in the Headway community across the country. This year’s awards are headline sponsored by Charles Stanley Raymond James.
Ed was nominated for the award, sponsored by Slater & Gordon Lawyers, by Headway Portsmouth & South East Hampshire CEO, Jo Dallas.
Jo said: “What makes Ed truly remarkable is how he has used his lived experience to support others. He now leads our Young Adults Group as Young Adult Lead, creating a safe and welcoming space for others navigating similar challenges.
“Gaining employment as Young Adult Lead is a significant milestone, particularly given the barriers many survivors face when re-entering the workplace.
“Ed has now become an integral part of our Headway community. He is a role model for other young people with brain injuries, showing them that there is life beyond their diagnosis.”
The winners of the Headway awards will be announced on Thursday, December 10 at The Royal Lancaster in London.